The Federal Government has extended the screening and verification exercise for Nigerian nationals in South Africa who have indicated interest in returning home, shifting the deadline to June 10, 2026.
The development comes amid ongoing evacuation preparations involving Nigerians affected by renewed tensions and safety concerns in parts of South Africa. Officials said the extension is intended to accommodate more applicants still undergoing the verification process.
Reports indicate that more than 500 Nigerians have already been screened and cleared for evacuation, while the government has also approved multiple evacuation flights as arrangements continue. The process is being coordinated through relevant Nigerian authorities handling consular and emergency response matters.
The extension reflects the scale and sensitivity of the operation, particularly as authorities continue efforts to ensure that interested Nigerians complete the necessary documentation and screening procedures before departure.
In recent days, attention has increasingly returned to the condition of Nigerians living in South Africa, with the evacuation exercise placing renewed focus on the long-standing diplomatic and humanitarian concerns that often emerge during periods of unrest.
Officials have maintained that the screening exercise remains ongoing and will now officially close on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.